Pair of Century-Old Christmas Traditions Return to Fire-Ravaged Altadena as Symbols of Hope

When the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena on January 7, two century-old landmarks survived: the towering deodar cedars of Christmas Tree Lane and the hillside Star of Palawoo. Their reappearances this December will mark a powerful, hopeful symbols of resilience.

“This season is about more than tradition,” read last week’s official announcement by the Christmas Tree Lane Association. “It’s a time to honor what we’ve endured, reflect on our shared strength, and move forward together.”

The Altadena Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will mark its 105th year with a public celebration scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the intersection of Santa Rosa Avenue and Mariposa Street, according to the Sept. 20 public invitation.

The event, which is free to attend, is widely regarded as Altadena’s informal launch of the holiday season. The tree will remain lit nightly through early January.

Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane features 135 deodar cedar trees planted in 1885 by the Woodbury brothers. It has operated since 1920, with brief pauses during World War II, the 1958 economic downturn, and the 1974 energy crisis. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a California State Historic Landmark.

The Christmas Tree Lane Association, a volunteer nonprofit with an annual budget of $12,000 to $17,000, is organizing the event. Thirteen of its volunteers lost homes in the fire.

“That the historic and beloved lane was spared from the catastrophic damage of the Eaton Fire is a testament to the grand deodars and some luck,” said Victoria Knapp, chair of the Altadena Town Council.

“This event, which is highly anticipated even beyond Altadena, signifies that Altadena is still here and that our beloved traditions are carrying us forward,” Knapp said. “Every single Altadena tradition that we can preserve cements the legacy of this town and reminds Altadenans that the spirit of Altadena is not broken.”

The Star of Palawoo, built in 1928 by Frank Nightingale, was relit six days after the Fire. Owner Phil Elkins coordinated with his son Todd, tenant Jude, and two Pasadena firemen to install solar panels and batteries.

“It means a lot in terms of hope going forward,” Elkins said. “A number of people in the community … began to ask if we could turn it on as a sign of hope.”

Lighting engineers have proposed an $8,000 upgrade. Elkins suggested forming a nonprofit to manage donations transparently.